Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume watches a traditional dance at a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume watches a traditional dance at a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume watches a traditional dance at a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume watches a traditional dance at a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume attends the opening ceremony of a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume attends the opening ceremony of a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume attends the opening ceremony of a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume attends the opening ceremony of a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Princess Aiko at Lao festival

Japan's Princess Aiko clad in traditional Lao costume attends the opening ceremony of a Lao festival at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on May 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan: Horse Breaks Loose at Traditional Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima, Injuring Six 3

Six people were injured after a horse ran wild at the Soma Nomaoi traditional festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 24. The incident occurred during an armored horseback race when a rider fell from his horse, causing the animal to bolt off the course and collide with spectators near the ticket booth. Around 40,000 people were in attendance at the Hibarigahara festival grounds. The horse was later secured near the venue.

Japan: Horse Breaks Loose at Traditional Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima, Injuring Six

Six people were injured after a horse ran wild at the Soma Nomaoi traditional festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 24. The incident occurred during an armored horseback race when a rider fell from his horse, causing the animal to bolt off the course and collide with spectators near the ticket booth. Around 40,000 people were in attendance at the Hibarigahara festival grounds. The horse was later secured near the venue.

Japan: Horse Breaks Loose at Traditional Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima, Injuring Six 2

Six people were injured after a horse ran wild at the Soma Nomaoi traditional festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 24. The incident occurred during an armored horseback race when a rider fell from his horse, causing the animal to bolt off the course and collide with spectators near the ticket booth. Around 40,000 people were in attendance at the Hibarigahara festival grounds. The horse was later secured near the venue.

Samurai float parade in central Japan

Samurai float parade in central Japan

A procession of floats representing samurai warriors parade through Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, during the traditional "Mikuni" festival, which dates back 300 years, on May 20, 2025.

Samurai float parade in central Japan

Samurai float parade in central Japan

A procession of floats representing samurai warriors parade through Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, during the traditional "Mikuni" festival, which dates back 300 years, on May 20, 2025.

Samurai float parade in central Japan

Samurai float parade in central Japan

A procession of floats representing samurai warriors parade through Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, during the traditional "Mikuni" festival, which dates back 300 years, on May 20, 2025.

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Priests throw heart-shaped "uchiwa" fans from the balcony of a drum tower during a traditional ceremony at Toshodai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on May 19, 2026. The ceremony started about 770 years ago to ward off evil spirits and harmful insects.

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Priests throw heart-shaped "uchiwa" fans from the balcony of a drum tower during a traditional ceremony at Toshodai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on May 19, 2026. The ceremony started about 770 years ago to ward off evil spirits and harmful insects.

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Priests throw heart-shaped "uchiwa" fans from the balcony of a drum tower during a traditional ceremony at Toshodai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on May 19, 2026. The ceremony started about 770 years ago to ward off evil spirits and harmful insects.

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Fan-throwing ceremony at western Japan temple

Priests throw heart-shaped "uchiwa" fans from the balcony of a drum tower during a traditional ceremony at Toshodai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on May 19, 2026. The ceremony started about 770 years ago to ward off evil spirits and harmful insects.

Traditional outdoor Noh play in Nara

Traditional outdoor Noh play in Nara

A traditional outdoor Noh play dating back to the ninth century is performed at Kofuku-ji temple in the ancient capital of Nara, western Japan, on May 15, 2026.

Traditional outdoor Noh play in Nara

Traditional outdoor Noh play in Nara

A traditional outdoor Noh play dating back to the ninth century is performed at Kofuku-ji temple in the ancient capital of Nara, western Japan, on May 15, 2026.

Traditional outdoor Noh play in Nara

Traditional outdoor Noh play in Nara

A traditional outdoor Noh play dating back to the ninth century is performed at Kofuku-ji temple in the ancient capital of Nara, western Japan, on May 15, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

GIFU, Japan, May 12 Kyodo - The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026. (Kyodo)

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

A woman clad in a 12-layer traditional Japanese kimono, having been chosen to play this year's Saio-dai heroine during the upcoming annual Aoi Festival in Kyoto, purifies herself at Shimogamo Shrine in the western Japan city on May 4, 2026.

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

A woman clad in a 12-layer traditional Japanese kimono, having been chosen to play this year's Saio-dai heroine during the upcoming annual Aoi Festival in Kyoto, purifies herself at Shimogamo Shrine in the western Japan city on May 4, 2026.

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

Performers shove dishes from the stage in a popular dish-smashing routine during a "Mibu Kyogen" traditional drama at Mibu temple in Kyoto on April 29, 2026.

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

Performers shove dishes from the stage in a popular dish-smashing routine during a "Mibu Kyogen" traditional drama at Mibu temple in Kyoto on April 29, 2026.

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

Performers shove dishes from the stage in a popular dish-smashing routine during a "Mibu Kyogen" traditional drama at Mibu temple in Kyoto on April 29, 2026.

New Year celebration in Yangon

YANGON, Myanmar, April 15 Kyodo - People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026. (Kyodo)

New Year celebration in Yangon

New Year celebration in Yangon

People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026.

New Year celebration in Yangon

New Year celebration in Yangon

People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026.

New Year celebration in Yangon

New Year celebration in Yangon

People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026.

China: Man Demonstrates Precision Slingshot Fishing Technique in Anhui Pond

On March 23, 2026, in Anhui, China, a man demonstrated a traditional fishing technique using a slingshot-like device, striking a fish in a pond with a single, precise shot. The clip showcased the speed and accuracy required for this skill, leaving viewers impressed.

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

Japan: Cherry Blossoms Paint Tokyo Pink as Spring Arrives 2

Cherry blossoms have been in bloom across Tokyo's parks and roadsides, painting the city in soft shades of pink and bringing joy to residents enjoying the fleeting beauty of spring. Over the weekend, crowds of people flocked to the streets and parks to enjoy hanami, the traditional custom of viewing cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Japan: Tokyo’s Iconic Rikugien Weeping Cherry Tree Reaches Full Bloom

Rikugi-en Garden in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is home to a stunning weeping cherry tree that becomes one of the city's most beloved cherry blossom spots each spring. The large, centuries-old tree is beautifully illuminated at night during the blooming season, creating a magical atmosphere reflected in the garden's traditional pond. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the classical Japanese landscape makes it a must-visit destination for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.